The National Human Rights Commission on Thursday issued notice to Noida authorities regarding the deaths last week of two sanitation workers in the industrial township, official sources said.

The NHRC took suo motu cognisance of media reports that the two sanitation workers died on April 14 while working in a sewage treatment plant in Noida. They were reportedly not wearing basic safety equipment at that time.

Those issued notice are: Chairman, New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA), and the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police of Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. They have been directed to file detailed reports in the matter within four weeks.

"The authorities are expected to submit their response specifically mentioning the steps taken for relief and rehabilitation of the next of kin of the deceased and action taken against officials found guilty of negligence that led to the death of the two labourers," an NHRC release said.

The Deputy CEO of NOIDA has ordered an inquiry into the matter and announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia to the next of kin of each of the deceased, to be paid by the contractor.

The NHRC formed guidelines for maintenance and cleaning of sewage systems following the death of two municipal sanitation workers in Delhi two decades ago.

--IANS

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